Encounters Asia designs exclusive, customized itineraries and offers all travelers top-notch service, hand-picked stays, smooth logistics, exceptional guides, and granular expertise. For Encounters Asia, the value of each trip is measured by inspiring experiences. From larger-than-life festivals and curated events to bespoke camping and experiential expeditions, along with private transformational journeys, travelers can count on Encounters Asia to bring India to life.
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Meet The Owner: Amit Sankhala
Born into a "wild family," Amit was exposed to amazing wilderness experiences from a young age. Amit's grandfather was the founding director of Project Tiger, India’s first tiger conservation program. Their father carried this conservation legacy further by founding some of the very first eco-tourism lodges and initiatives in the country. Hence, the Sankhala family history is integrated with wildlife tourism and conservation, spanning back 40 years in India. Amit's father passed away when they were 20, and they have since run the business for 20 years, giving them the opportunity to focus on their creative side and organize epic trips not just in wildlife but also authentic experiential India, encompassing both cultural and spiritual aspects.
Their passion lies in exploring and organizing—from specialized walks in Rajasthan’s cities to exploring Varanasi at midnight, setting up camps in the middle of nowhere for authentic interactions, spending time with a spiritual guru, or facilitating transformational experiences at festivals that many may have never heard of. Encounters Asia are more interested in where their clients have been with them. In the last 20 years, the staff have traveled to over 60 countries, experiencing the same things that they would organize for clients in South Asia.
Sustainability
Sustainability and responsible tourism are key aspects of how Encounters Asia runs its business at every level. With generations spent in the wild, environmental protection is a top priority, and the family has been one of the pioneers of eco-friendly tourism in India.
Encounters Asia prioritizes sustainability and responsible tourism, supporting initiatives like Tomorrow’s Air and the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund. Led by Managing Director Amit Sankhala, they advocate for wildlife protection and support organizations like the Snow Leopard Conservancy. Collaborations with filmmakers highlight conservation efforts, while community development projects and eco-friendly initiatives minimize environmental impact. They promote cultural events, support local communities, and hire locally, sharing knowledge and implementing sustainable tourism practices.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 182 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 182 reviews on
3 hours ago
Easiest trip to plan ever. We received quick answers and Mary was very knowledgeable about different areas of the world that we had questions about.
We have book 2 trips, FABULOUS trip to Antartica which we have already taken and just booked for a future trip to Africa.
Michelle
8 hours ago
Planning service is personal. people actually listening to you and using that information constructively to help you plan a great trip. They have extensive travel knowledge and experience in the area they cover. The planning is detailed and comprehensive in meeting your needs. It makes a difference!
Allison Wynn
18 hours ago
The pre-planning and execution of the plan was excellent. They were even able to help get glasses returned when a member or our party left them in a hotel.
Roger
1 day ago
What made our Costa Rica experience great was the wonderful places we stayed and transportation to get to our different areas to visit was excellent! The white water rafting and the snorkeling & dolphin watching were really fun!
Michell Murphy
2 days ago
I received a quick and friendly response from my contact, Christina Mayo, both in email and phone calls. My request for information was provided in less than a day. She took a few minutes to chat about family and events. Dealing with her has always been a pleasure!
